The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has issued Scotland’s first-ever ‘Amber Alert’ for blood stocks, following a shortage of donors and increased demand for Group O blood.
The alert came into effect on 10 November, asking hospitals across Scotland to use Type O blood only when essential and maximise alternatives to transfusion where possible.
Blood stocks have remained below target levels for several weeks, with Group O supplies falling below two days’ worth on several occasions. SNBTS aims to reserve five to seven days’ supply across all blood groups.
Donors urged to book appointments
SNBTS has urged all blood donors, particularly those with O negative and O positive blood, to book and attend appointments in the coming days and weeks.
Around 3,385 appointments need to be filled every week. However, donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness have seen declining donor numbers for several months, with only 85% of appointments being filled on average.
Currently, approximately 2% of Scotland’s eligible population give blood.
Dr Lorna McLintock, medical director at SNBTS, said: “ To supply hospitals with the 135,000 units of blood they need each year to treat patients, appointments need to be fully booked all year round”.
The winter months can be particularly challenging because of weather conditions, illness and the holiday season, she added.
Emergency and cancer surgery to continue
The Amber Alert will initially remain in place for four to six weeks and will be kept under review.
Hospitals have been asked to introduce emergency measures to minimise blood usage, including additional checks on the use of Type O blood and patient blood management strategies.
SNBTS confirmed that urgent and emergency procedures, including trauma surgery, cancer surgery, transplants and transfusion for patients with long-term conditions, will continue.
People aged 17 or over and in general good health are being encouraged to register as blood donors.
Appointments can be booked through ScotBloodUK or by calling 0345 90 90 99.
